'Roseanne': Where Are They Now?

Ranked among the top 50 best television shows of all time by TVGuide, 'Roseanne' was a sitcom that was real, honest and had everything: humor, family, drama, and it was not afraid to tackle the tough questions and controversial subjects of the time. The series ran for eight successful seasons, and although the ending was a bit controversial, it was memorable in a way that few sitcoms are able to accomplish. So, what is life like for the members of the Conner family 16 years after going off the air? Let's find out!

Actress: Roseanne BarrCharacter: Roseanne ConnerRoseanne Conner was the perfect example of a hard-working, confident, middle class mother. She was an example to American women that you can be outspoken and confident and run your own household - - and you can still have a fantastic family and marriage. She was snarky, witty and completely in charge, maybe to a fault, as she would sometimes try to run the lives of those around her. But you could never fault her for loving her family too much. The character was of course based around the real Roseanne, whose personality is almost exactly like that of Roseanne Conner. While she was the star of the show, Roseanne has done less in show-business since the end of the series than the rest of the cast members. Besides serving as an executive producer on a few television series and TV movies, Roseanne has chosen to stay out of the limelight since the end of her show. Of course, that is unless you count her candidacy for the Presidential nomination of the Green Party in 2012. She hosted 'Roseanne's Nuts' for a single season--a brash take-no-prisoners talk show--but has been more relaxed in her career of late. Barr currently lives a quiet life with her long-time partner Johnny Argent on a 46-acre macadamia nut farm located on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Actor: John GoodmanCharacter: Dan ConnerThere is something about John Goodman himself that just makes me love him and his character on 'Roseanne' was just as loveable. Dan Conner was the kind of dad that every kid deserves growing up: hard working, easy-going and goofy, but still completely dedicated and involved with his family. He may not have worn the pants in the relationship with Roseanne, but this was a man who took care of those he loved. John Goodman has been fantastically successful since 'Roseanne' came to a close. He is the kind of actor that is endlessly versatile in each role, and with each new one, I find something else to love and be impressed about. Goodman has a lengthy character resume since 1997, which includes major roles on television shows such as 'Saturday Night Live', 'The West Wing', 'Damages', 'Community' and 'Dancing in the Edge.' His film career is no less impressive, with Goodman lending his talents to films such as 'Argo', 'The Artist', 'Speed Racer' and, one of my favourites, 'Monsters Inc.'

Actress: Laurie MetcalfCharacter: Jackie HarrisJackie was Roseanne's younger sister by three years, but she was more of a daughter to Roseanne than anything. She was fiercely loyal, intelligent, sensitive and a bit of an underachiever. She always seemed to have a new job and a new boyfriend on-the-go, and her character went through a lot of hardship that brought to light topics such as domestic abuse, single parenting and homosexuality. Laurie Metcalf did a brilliant job in bringing this character to life on 'Roseanne', and her acting talents have not gone to waste since the series came to a close. She has focused her career mainly on television, with major roles in shows such as '3rd Rock From The Sun', 'Desperate Housewives', 'Easy Money' and 'The Big Bang Theory.'

Actor: Michael FishmanCharacter: D.J. ConnerD.J. Conner was the most light-hearted character on 'Roseanne.' As the baby of the family, he did not have as much screen time as the rest of them, but his character was an integral part of the family. D.J. served as a vehicle of humour on 'Roseanne': he was really weird, goofy and not exactly the brightest bulb of the bunch. He was exactly what all little brothers are: annoying, often strange, terrorizing to their older sisters and still loveable. His story lines dealt with the awkward transitions from childhood to adulthood that everyone experiences. Michael Fishman grew up playing this character on screen, going through the changes in life at the same time as D.J., but after the show ended he did not continue on with acting as much as his co-stars. He has only four acting credits since the series came to a close, three guest starring roles on 'Hitz', 'Seinfeld' and 'Walker, Texas Ranger', and one film credit in 'A.I. Artificial Intelligence.' Instead, Fishman has focused on the other side of the entertainment industry, excelling in behind-the-scenes in everything from set design to directing.

Actress: Sara GilbertCharacter: Darlene ConnerAs the middle-child of Dan and Roseanne, Darlene was the most dramatic and troubled child of the Conner family. Her character was often a direct reflection of the personality and characteristics of Sara Gilbert - - a bit of a tomboy, often moody, passionate and artistic girl. The love triangle between Darlene, David and Jimmy was a huge source of drama for her. She took after her mother in more ways than one, but I was always rooting for this bossy, demanding and independent chick who put everything she had into her dreams. Sara Gilbert has been hugely successful since 'Roseanne' went off the air in 1997. She has had major roles in a number of very notable television series' such as '24', 'ER', 'The Big Bang Theory' with 'Roseanne' co-star Laurie Metcalf and serves as both a co-host and executive producer on 'The Talk.'

Actress: Alicia Goranson & Sarah ChalkeCharacter: Becky ConnerThe character of Becky Conner was played by two actresses during the nine season run of 'Roseanne'. Becky was the oldest daughter of Dan and Roseanne. She was more serious and quiet than the rest of the family and she strayed farther away from home than the rest of the group. Originally, actress Alicia Goranson played Becky for seasons 1-5 and again in season 8. Goranson left the show after its 5th season so that she could pursue a degree at Vassar College. Goranson returned for the eighth season of 'Roseanne', believing it to be the last, but she was frequently replaced by Sarah Chalke for episodes in that season when she was unavailable. The constant switching back and forth between the actresses was confusing but the series did its best to make it into a joke. Since finishing season 8 of 'Roseanne', Goranson has had a few guest roles on shows such as 'Sex and the City', 'Fringe' and 'Damages.' Sarah Chalke has had the more impressive career of the two since playing Becky Conner, with starring roles on 'Scrubs', 'Mad Love' and 'Cougar Town.'

Actor: Johnny GaleckiCharacter: David HealyDavid Healy was the yin to Darlene Conner's yang. Where she was bossy and overbearing, he was quiet and a bit of a push-over, but for this couple it seemed to work. He was artistic like Darlene and was as much a member of the Conner family than Darlene was - - actually, I think he was more welcome in the Conner household than Darlene was at times. Johnny Galecki was a bit of an unknown when he appeared on 'Roseanne', but he is now a household name. After 'Roseanne' ended he had stream of guest appearances and roles on TV movies and series' like 'My Name Is Earl' and 'Entourage', but what he is known best for now is his role as Leonard Hofstadter on 'The Big Bang Theory' where he has been reunited with 'Roseanne' co-stars Sara Gilbert and Laurie Metcalf.

Do you miss watching 'Roseanne' on TV? What shows do you watch now starring this talented bunch of 'Roseanne' alumni?

I didn't remember Galecki at all from that series. I mostly remembered the Darlene, Dan and Roseanne characters - everyone else was just the supporting cast.
I enjoy Laurie Metcalf's appearances on The Big Bang Theory - the way her character tries to be a fine, upstanding, god-fearing woman and then makes racist remarks without understanding that they are racist is hilarious.